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Rising Chinese tourists prompt call for transport plan
Independent Councilor Tung Sen-po urges Kinmen to improve transportation as Chinese tourist numbers rise. He calls for a timeline and capacity control to protect residents.
2024/11/25 16:06
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Over 5,000 sign petition for dual citizenship in Taiwan
Over 5,000 people signed a petition urging Taiwan to ease immigration rules, allowing dual citizenship for permanent residents. The Ministry of Interior will respond soon.
2024/10/23 17:27
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Chinese tourists visit Kinmen, boosting cross-strait tourism
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office announced that 27 mainland residents traveled to Kinmen, marking a new chapter in cross-strait tourism. The trip aims to boost future visits.
2024/09/25 21:00
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Civic groups demand rights for Taiwan’s migrant workers
Explore the efforts of civic groups in Taiwan advocating for the rights of new immigrants, including migrant workers. They seek legal reforms to ensure equality and protection.
2024/06/19 16:41
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Washington state renews driver’s license deal with Taiwan
Discover how Washington state’s renewal of its driver’s license reciprocity agreement with Taiwan strengthens bilateral ties and benefits over 5,000 Taiwanese residents. Learn about the decade-long partnership and its impact on economic relations.
2024/05/23 11:22
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Poll: majority of Taiwan supports coalition government
A citizens’ preference poll conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation (TPOF) revealed that 47.3% of respondents were generally pleased with the outcome of the elections, in which the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) candidate won the presidency but failed to secure a majority in the legislature. The poll results, announced by TPOF on Jan. 23, showed a mixed outlook, with 15.3% very pleased, 32% somewhat pleased, 23.4% slightly displeased, and 9.1% not pleased. Additionally, nearly 60% of respondents agreed with the idea of forming a coalition government in the absence of a single party gaining a majority. The survey, conducted from Jan. 15-17 by Focus Survey Research on behalf of TPOF, utilized a dual-frame random sampling design, targeting Taiwanese residents aged 20 and above through 70% landline and 30% mobile calls. The margin of error is 2.98 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
2024/01/23 13:20
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67% of Taiwanese identify solely as Taiwanese: Pew poll
According to a survey by the U.S think tank Pew Research Center, Taiwanese residents overwhelmingly identify themselves as Taiwanese rather than Chinese. The survey, conducted between June and September 2023, found that 67% of respondents identified as Taiwanese, while only 3% identified primarily as Chinese. Additionally, 28% considered themselves both Taiwanese and Chinese. These identity categories were reflected in political preferences, with self-identifying Taiwanese more likely to align with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Among residents below 35 years old, 83% identified as purely Taiwanese, and among women, 72% identified as exclusively Taiwanese. Despite this, 40% of respondents still had emotional ties to mainland China, with 11% maintaining strong emotions towards it. The survey also revealed a bearish outlook on China, with 66% of adults perceiving China’s power and influence as a threat. Both DPP and Kuomintang (KMT) voters considered China a major threat to Taiwan, with 78% and 59% respectively. However, KMT supporters were more likely to view the U.S. as a principal threat compared to DPP supporters. In terms of domestic issues, only 10% of KMT supporters were satisfied with the current state of living, compared to 48% of DPP supporters.
2024/01/18 12:23
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Tainan lights up: 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival returns
The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival is returning to Tainan for the first time since 2008, taking place from Feb. 24 to March 10. The main lantern, "Dragon Comes to Taiwan," was unveiled by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Tourism Administration. Inspired by the dragons on the stone columns at the Tainan Grand Mazu Temple, the 18-meter-tall dragon lantern is accompanied by a 22-meter main lantern. This year’s lantern design transforms the dragon into a small round lantern with the same pronunciation as the Taiwanese snack "xiaolongbao," adding a touch of tradition and children’s anticipation. The festival will illuminate the "High-Speed Rail Lantern Area" and "Anping Lantern Area" in Tainan. In celebration of Tainan’s 400th anniversary, the city government will light up the "Anping Lantern Area" in advance on Feb. 3, allowing residents and tourists to enjoy the spectacle during the Lunar New Year holiday. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che expressed high hopes for the festival, praising the main lantern design for its unique representation of Tainan and Taiwan’s lantern festival through a blend of culture, nostalgia, and playful creativity.
2024/01/03 19:51
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China boosts Kaoliang liquor transport limit to six bottles
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Zhu Fenglian, has announced an increase in the quantity of Kaoliang liquor passengers can carry between the coast of Fujian Province and Kinmen and Matsu islands. The limit has been raised from four to six bottles, in response to the desire from residents to loosen restrictions. This is the second adjustment to the regulations, with the initial change in 2006 raising the previous limit from two to four bottles. These policy changes aim to promote an interconnected living plan between Xiamen and Kinmen, as well as Fuzhou and Matsu, contributing to the integrated development of both sides of the strait. Zhu expressed confidence that these measures will bring further benefits to the people of Taiwan, particularly the residents of Kinmen and Matsu, and emphasized China’s commitment to implementing measures that deepen cross-strait integration and enhance welfare for the Taiwanese.
2023/12/26 17:29
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MAMAMOO’s Wheein headlines Tainan Christmas rock concert
The ’2023 Tainan Christmas Rock Concert’ in Tainan, Taiwan, will feature performances from popular artists such as Wheein from the South Korean girl group MAMAMOO, Taiwanese singers Yoga Lin, OSN, and Kasiwa, bands Accusefive and Mixer, Singaporean singer-songwriter Boon Hui Lu, and Dutch singers Martin Hurkens and Marjolein. Wheein, known for her powerful vocals and contributions to television drama soundtracks, expressed her excitement for the concert and even asked fans to recommend local Tainan delicacies for her to try during her visit. The concert took place at the western plaza of the Tainan City Government Yonghua Civic Center, inviting fans and local residents to join in the festive Christmas celebration.
2023/12/23 12:26
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Orange Devils band returns to enthrall Taiwan fans
The renowned Orange Devils, Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School’s marching band, have returned to Taiwan, performing at the National Concert Hall on Dec. 14. They also performed at Taipei First Girls High School and surprised guests with a flash performance at a hotel in Xizhi District, New Taipei City. The band previously entertained crowds in Kaohsiung. The visiting students and staff were impressed by the warmth and support they received from the local Taiwanese community and Japanese residents. Their presence highlights the cultural exchange between Taiwan and Japan, celebrating shared passions and friendships across borders.
2023/12/12 18:01
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Dubai gets a taste of Taiwan with authentic douhua
Experience the authentic taste of Taiwanese douhua (tofu pudding) at a douhua shop in Dubai, reminiscent of Taipei’s Yongkang Street. Imported ingredients and decor from Taiwan ensure an authentic experience. The shop, founded by Taiwanese national Dennis Chang, aims to showcase Taiwan’s culture and cuisine while providing a taste of home for Taiwanese residents in Dubai. The shop’s ambiance, adorned with Taiwanese elements, adds to the authenticity. Patrons, especially from the Chinese community, appreciate the desserts and find comfort in this unique Taiwanese dessert establishment in Dubai.
2023/12/09 14:57
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Taipei councilor exposes ’red infiltration’ via China trips
Taipei City Councilor Chen Yi-chun has expressed concerns about stealthy trips organized by local community leaders to China, questioning whether they could be instances of "red infiltration." Chen highlighted a heavily subsidized trip advertised as a "Wuxi Community Exchange Study," which cost participants just NT$15,000 and included flights, hospitality, and lodging. She suggested that the trip seemed imbued with Chinese propaganda, as it included visits to historical towns, canal boat tours, and a Belt and Road Initiative silk factory, with a guide from the National People’s Congress Standing Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. Chen raised concerns about potential organized red infiltration, as local leaders covertly rallied groups and secretly canvassed like-minded community members to join the trip. She also questioned whether the Chinese Communist Party could be using these excursions to influence the votes of Taiwanese local residents in anticipation of Taiwan’s 2024 Presidential Election. Chen argued that the CCP could be engaging in a multifaceted campaign, including cognitive warfare and expansive propaganda, with the latest strategy involving ground-level infiltration to sway Taiwan’s electorate. She called for Taiwan’s national security agencies to remain vigilant and advised citizens to foster security awareness to guard against possible election meddling strategies by the CCP.
2023/11/26 18:37
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Taiwanese people borrowed 93M books in 2022: Data
Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan reveals his oversight of the planning and construction of 23 libraries during his tenure as Taoyuan mayor, with 15 libraries costing approximately NT$8 billion. The announcement comes ahead of the Taiwan Reading Festival, seen as a symbol of civilization and a mark of a nation’s progress. Education Ministry reports show a rise in library visits, card applications, and book borrowing by Taiwanese residents. The festival, now in its 11th year, has gained international recognition and is expected to further promote Taiwan’s literary and cultural richness.
2023/11/20 18:49
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China takes note of Blue-White coalition: TAO spokesperson
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) spokesperson, Zhu Fenglian, has called on the people of Taiwan and China to support the 1992 Consensus and oppose Taiwanese independence in order to restore peaceful development in cross-Strait relations. This statement was made during a regular press conference on Wednesday morning. Zhu also mentioned the potential Blue-White Coalition in the upcoming Taiwanese presidential election, emphasizing that peace, development, and cooperation represent the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. Zhu further stated that mainland residents will only be able to travel to Taiwan when cross-Strait relations are on the correct track of peaceful development. This communication reflects China’s consistent stance on Taiwan, reaffirming its commitment to the 1992 Consensus and strong opposition to Taiwan’s independence. It is evident that China is closely monitoring Taiwan’s political dynamics in light of the upcoming election.
2023/11/16 21:06
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Chiayi residents least likely to marry in Taiwan: survey
Chiayi City Councilor Cheng Kuang-hung has raised concerns about the declining birthrate in Chiayi and the city’s residents being the least willing to marry compared to other Taiwanese cities. A survey conducted in 2018 with over 8,000 Taiwanese netizens revealed that the number of newborns in Chiayi has been consistently decreasing over the past decade. In 2014, there were 2,100 newborns, but by September 2023, the figure had dropped to 845. Unmarried individuals aged 25-44 accounted for more than half of the population in Chiayi, with 52.52% being unmarried. Men in this age group had a higher unmarried rate of 58.86% compared to women at 46.37%. Cheng suggested that government policies and budget allocations should be redirected towards encouraging early marriage and childbirth instead of focusing solely on post-marriage childbirth subsidies and childcare. Academia Sinica also recommended promoting marriage and procreation at younger ages to address the declining birth rates. The Executive Yuan established a dedicated office in 2018 to combat the declining birthrate, investing over NT$40 billion in recent years.
2023/11/16 20:38
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Ko Wen-je outlines cultural initiatives for ethnic groups
Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has proposed several cultural initiatives to strengthen the rights of various ethnic groups in Taiwan. He emphasized that Taiwan’s composition is primarily a result of self-identification among different groups, with 67% identifying as Fujianese, 19% as Hakka, 5% from various Chinese provinces, 2% indigenous Taiwanese, and 8% as "new residents" including migrant workers, professionals, new immigrants, second-generation immigrants, and foreign university students. Ko advocated for Taiwan to become a melting pot for diverse ethnic groups and proposed a law against ethnic discrimination. Specifically addressing the Hakka community, he unveiled proposals to preserve Hakka culture and position Taiwan as a global hub for Hakka society. Ko also presented policies to support Taiwan’s indigenous populations, including granting more rights and establishing tribal self-governance councils.
2023/11/16 17:07
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Poll show Taiwanese support for diverse leadership
Over half of Taiwan’s residents believe that the country’s president and majority of legislators should come from different political parties, according to a poll conducted by Shih Hsin University’s Institute of Knowledge Economy Development. The poll showed that 51.8% of respondents held this view. Additionally, the poll found that 77.7% of participants supported the president giving a State of the Nation address to the Legislative Yuan. However, only 28.8% of participants were aware that an annual report to the legislature was a presidential responsibility. In terms of party cooperation, 53.5% of respondents backed the idea of the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party taking turns in the Presidential or Premier posts. Within this group, 36.1% were "somewhat supportive" and 17.4% were "strongly supportive," while 30.2% opposed such a proposal. Furthermore, 34.5% of participants believed it would be best if the president and the majority of the Legislative Yuan were from the same party. This opinion was more prevalent among university graduates (59.3%) and those with postgraduate degrees (52.3%). The poll also revealed that 36.8% of respondents support the current government led by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), while 45.8% oppose it, and 17.4% did not express an opinion.
2023/11/04 16:53
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Ko Wen-je plans island-wide tour to connect with locals
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je plans to embark on an island-wide tour in late November to visit industries, listen to local residents’ concerns, and hold public speaking sessions. During a press conference, Ko reiterated the principles proposed during his candidacy declaration on May 20, which include advocating for a "harmonious society, national governance," the establishment of a "united government, a united Taiwan," and "Taiwanese autonomy, cross-strait peace."
2023/11/01 10:57
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Tasty pork belly buns make splash in Taiwan despite typhoon
Discover how Taipei residents braved Typhoon Koinu to enjoy London’s popular pork belly bun pop-up. Learn about the secret to its success and its limited 19-day offering. Explore the unique fusion of traditional Taiwanese flavors and Western tastes with U.S. steak patties and adorable packaging.
2023/10/05 21:08
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Taiwanese hospitals grapple with shortage of pediatricians
According to recent statistics from the Taiwan Pediatric Association, this year’s recruitment rate for pediatric residents has fallen to 70%, marking a decline from previous years.
2023/05/09 19:23
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Five ways to receive your NT$6,000 tax rebate
Taiwanese nationals and eligible foreign residents can look forward to receiving NT$6,000 from the tax surplus of last year.
2023/03/17 20:00
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Taipei residents lament about egg shortage
An egg shortage has emerged as a growing concern for the Taiwanese public in recent weeks. In response, Taiwan’s government has implemented various measures aimed at addressing the issue.
2023/02/21 15:03